DocumentCode :
977873
Title :
Sensing RF Connector Tightness Using a Grounded Plate Capacitive Structure
Author :
Mott, Brian D. ; Natoli, Chris P. ; Feuerstein, Christopher Michael ; Montena, Noah P. ; Revelli, Joseph F., Jr. ; Bowman, Robert J.
Author_Institution :
Electr. Eng. Dept., Rochester Inst. of Technol., Rochester, NY
Volume :
8
Issue :
11
fYear :
2008
Firstpage :
1887
Lastpage :
1893
Abstract :
This paper describes a grounded plate capacitive sensing technique for monitoring mated RF connector tightness. The capacitive sensing structure and conditioning electronics are fabricated on the surface of a small polystyrene disc which is integrated into the RF connector body. A model of the electrostatic-mechanical system accurately predicts the change in capacitance as a function of the torque applied to tighten the mated connectors. Mechanical displacement in the connector (or, indirectly, axial force on the mated connector) translates to a change in the period of an oscillator drive circuit. The sensing system is measured to provide a transducer sensitivity range from 0.15 pF/Nmiddotm at the initial connector mating force to 0.74 pF/Nmiddotm at the high end of mating force.
Keywords :
capacitive sensors; driver circuits; electric connectors; transducers; capacitive sensing structure; conditioning electronics; electrostatic-mechanical system; grounded plate; mechanical displacement; oscillator drive circuit; polystyrene disc; sensing RF connector tightness; torque; transducer sensitivity; Capacitance; Circuits; Connectors; Drives; Force measurement; Oscillators; Predictive models; Radio frequency; Structural discs; Torque; Capacitive sensor; RF connector; Wein–Bridge oscillator; proximity sensor;
fLanguage :
English
Journal_Title :
Sensors Journal, IEEE
Publisher :
ieee
ISSN :
1530-437X
Type :
jour
DOI :
10.1109/JSEN.2008.2006255
Filename :
4666720
Link To Document :
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